here to struggle into success. You sometimes laugh at
my sanguine temper, Nicaeus. To say the truth, I am more serene than
sanguine, and was never more conscious of the strength of my opponent
than now, when it appears that I have beaten him. Hark! the people
cheer. I love the people, Nicaeus, who are ever influenced by genuine and
generous feelings. They cheer as if they had once more gained a country.
Alas! they little know what they must endure even at the best. Nay!
look not gloomy; we have done great things, and will do more. Who waits
without there? Demetrius! Call the messenger from Lord Hunniades."

An Epirot bearing a silken packet was now introduced, which he delivered
to Iskander. Reverently touching the hand of his chieftain, the
messenger then kissed his own and withdrew. Iskander broke the seal, and
drew forth a letter from the silken cover.

"So! this is well!" exclaimed the prince, with great animation, as he
threw his quick eye over the letter. "As I hoped and deemed, a most
complete victory. Karam Bey himself a prisoner, baggage, standards,
great guns, treasure. Brave soldier of the Cross! (may I prove so!) Your
perfectly-devised movement, (poh, poh!) Hah! what is this?" exclaimed
Iskander, turning pale; his lip quivered, his eye looked dim. He walked
to an arched window. His companion, who supposed that he was reading,
did not disturb him.

"Poor, poor Hunniades!" at length exclaimed Iskander, shaking his head.

"What of him?" inquired Nicaeus, quickly.

"The sharpest accident of war!" replied Iskander. "It quite clouds my
spirit. We must forget these things, we must forget. Epirus! he is not
a patriot who can spare a thought from thee. And yet, so young, so
beautiful, so gifted, so worthy of a hero! when I saw her by her great
father's side, sharing his toils, aiding his councils, supplying his
necessities, methought I gazed upon a ministering angel! upon--"

"Stop, stop in mercy's name, Iskander!" exclaimed Nicaeus, in a very
agitated tone. "What is all this? Surely no, surely not, surely Iduna--"

"'Tis she!"

"Dead?" exclaimed Nicaeus, rushing up to his companion, and seizing his
arm.

"Worse, much worse!"

"God of Heaven!" exclaimed the young Prince, with almost a frantic air.
"Tell me all, tell me all! This suspense fires my brain. Iskander, you
know not what this woman is to me; the sole object of my being, the
bane, the blessing of my life! Speak, dear friend, speak! I beseech you!